USA vs. Algeria 2010 FIFA World Cup: Robbery Attempt Foiled

American soccer fans (yes, all twelve of you!) had every right to be outraged when the 2nd controversial line call in two consecutive matches denied the USA team a potential match winning goal in their bid to qualify for the next stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Was it part of some sort of conspiracy against the Americans?  Are these officials simply incompetent bums?  We may never know the truth, but in the end that call was not enough to stop a determined American squad from claiming their three points and clinching the top spot .

But, my goodness, it was a close-run thing!  With the game all but over, Landon Donovan capitalized on an Algerian defensive error and slapped in one of the cleanest looking goals you will ever see.

You could not ask for a more dramatic or thrilling finish to a critical World Cup match than this, and it's not the first time the Americans have managed to somehow achieve the impossible at this tournament... it's just the first time that it paid off for them.

If you don't know what I am referring to, it concerns the very similar line call decision from the previous Group C encounter between USA and Slovenia, in which the goal that should have won the match was ruled controversially and incorrectly as being offside.

This World Cup has been spoiled by an amazing number of bad refereeing decisions, but no team has been more unfairly treated than the United States.

But, while it would be easy to give in to the temptation of righteous indignation, it's almost certainly best to leave it in the past where it belongs. 

Instead, American fans should feel proud and happy that, despite the obstacles that had been placed in their path, the team still managed to qualify in the best possible position.

The US team will now most likely have to play against the runner-up from Group D, which should be either Serbia (most likely) or Germany (less likely).

Australia can still qualify for 2nd place if Ghana can somehow beat Germany and Australia can beat Serbia, and that would be the best result for the US team, albeit a very remote possibility.

If Serbia fails to beat Australia, then that would allow Ghana the chance to qualify.  This team also would be less dangerous to face than Germany, so a Serbia/Australia draw and a German victory over Ghana is what Bob Bradley will be hoping for.

Ghana is the only African team remaining that still has a realistic chance to qualify.  Ivory Coast is still officially a candidate, but in order to progress, they would need to beat North Korea by a huge margin or hope that Brazil will defeat Portugal by more than 10 goals.